<p>A hernia is a bulge created by an organ or tissue. Learn about this common condition near the belly or the groin.</p>

<h2>What is a hernia?</h2>
<figure>
<span class="asset-image-title"> Umbilical hernia</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Umbilical_hernia_MED_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="" />
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">This is an opening in the muscle of the abdominal wall around the navel. Sometimes a small part of the intestines can bulge through this opening when a baby is crying or straining.</figcaption> </figure>
<p>A hernia is a bulge created by an organ or tissue. The bulge pushes through a weakness in the area of the body that normally contains it. The most common place that a hernia occurs is in the belly.</p><h3>The two most common types of hernias in children are:</h3><ul><li>An umbilical hernia occurs when a part of the intestine sticks through the abdominal wall through the navel.</li><li>An inguinal hernia occurs when part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall in or around the groin. Inguinal hernias occur in up to five out of 100 babies.</li></ul>

<h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Inguinal hernias occur in as many as five out of 100 babies. They are repaired with surgery.</li><li>Umbilical hernias usually fix themselves and do not require surgery. </li><li>Seek medical assistance right away if your child vomits or the swelling becomes painful or discoloured. </li>
<li>Treatment is a minor operation that puts the intestine back in place and stitches up the muscles in the abdominal wall.</li></ul>

<h2>Signs and symptoms of hernia</h2>
<h3>Umbilical hernia</h3>
<p>An umbilical hernia usually appears a few weeks after birth. It usually occurs after the umbilical cord has fallen off. In general, it goes away before two years of age without treatment. </p>
<h3>Signs and symptoms may include:</h3>
<ul>
<li>a soft swelling around the navel</li>
<li>the swelling may appear later in the day</li>
<li>the swelling gets bigger if your child coughs, cries, sneezes or stiffens their abdominal muscles</li>
</ul>
<h3>Inguinal hernia</h3>
<h3>Signs and symptoms may include:</h3>
<ul>
<li>a soft swelling above the groin or in the scrotum</li>
<li>the swelling may appear later in the day</li>
<li>the swelling gets bigger if your child cries, coughs, sneezes or stiffens their abdominal muscles</li>
</ul>

<h2>Causes of hernia</h2>
<h3>Umbilical hernia</h3>
<p>The navel has very little muscle beneath the skin. It is a weak area. When a baby cries or pushes out their belly, the pressure sometimes pushes part of an organ or tissue through the navel. </p>
<h3>Inguinal hernia</h3>
<p>Baby boys are more likely to have this type of hernia. The inguinal canal is the passage through which the testes descend into the scrotum. Normally, this canal closes shortly after birth. If it does not close completely, it leaves a hole through which a loop of the intestine can pass into the groin or scrotum. This creates a bulge under the skin. This is an inguinal hernia. </p>

<h2>What your child's doctor can do for your child with hernia</h2><p>Your child's doctor will examine the hernia. The doctor will decide whether your child needs surgery.</p><h2>Treatment</h2><h3>Umbilical hernia</h3><p>Most children do not need surgery for an umbilical hernia. Surgery may be required if it is very large or not going away. If surgery is needed, it is a minor operation. During surgery, the intestine is put back in place. The abdominal wall muscles are stitched up. The surgery is usually done after the age of three years. It is rare for an umbilical hernia to become strangulated.</p><h3>Inguinal hernia</h3><p>All children with inguinal hernia need surgery, because the hernia may become strangulated. Usually, the operation will be booked ahead of time. However, if the hernia is painful, your child may need emergency surgery. </p><p>During surgery, the small intestine, or other organ or tissue, is pushed back into place. The surgeon repairs the hole or space that is causing the hernia. The surgeon may check the other side of the groin for another hernia or weakness.</p><p>In general, your child can return home the day of the surgery. They can be active in a few days. </p><p>For more information ask for the brochure
<a href="/article?contentid=1207&language=English">Hernia repair: Care for your child after the operation</a></p>

<h2>Complications </h2>
<p>If a loop of intestine or another organ or tissue becomes trapped in its hole, its blood supply can become blocked. This is called a strangulated hernia. When this occurs, the area becomes discoloured and painful. Your child may vomit. If this happens, take your child to the doctor immediately, or go to the nearest Emergency Department right away.</p>

<h2>When to seek medical assistance</h2>
<p>Make an appointment with your child's regular doctor if you notice a soft bulge or suspect a hernia.</p>
<h3>Take your child to the nearest Emergency Department, or call 911 if necessary, if:</h3>
<ul>
<li>the swelling is painful</li>
<li>the hernia is large and hard</li>
<li>your child is vomiting </li>
<li>the hernia appears red or discoloured</li>
</ul>

AboutKidsHealth is proud to partner with the following sponsors as they support our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of children in Canada and around the world by making accessible health care information available via the internet.